Big Blue Brewing: Big Blue is that friend with the "My dog is smarter than your honor student" bumper sticker on their car. Here dogs are presented with bowls of water and special doggo menus of fresh, ear-scratchingly good food. The icing on the pupcake? Proceeds from that menu benefit local no-kill shelters, so everyone leaves with tails wagging. (4721 SE 10th Place, Cape Coral; 471-2777; bigbluebrewing.com)

The Island Cow: If belly rubs were currency, dogs here would be rich. The Island Cow's staff doesn't just tolerate dogs, they love them (and then carefully wash their hands). if only the menu were as honed in. Fortunately, breakfast is solid, as are most of the seafood dishes. And if Bosco's happy, shouldn't we all be? (2163 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel; 472-0606; sanibelislandcow.com)

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Big Blue Brewing in Cape Coral offers beer for humans and a full menu just for dogs.(Photo: Amanda Inscore/The News-Press)

Bonita Bill's: Turns out, humans aren't the only ones who bask in the glory of waterfront dining. Bonita Bill's is a super casual place (lots of fried things and domestic beer). But it's a place that's as kind to your pupper as its views are to your senses. (702 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach; 463-6119; bonitabills.com)

Rumrunners: This upscale restaurant accepts dogs of all kinds — little purse-sized fellas and big, unwieldy ones that knock their heads on the tables in impossibly adorable ways. They're treated as the two-legged clientele are, with respect and plenty to drink. But where they get head pats, we get the stellar creations of Chef Todd Johnson. Fair enough trade. (5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral; 542-0200; rumrunnersrestaurant.com)

Blue Pointe Oyster Bar: Call ahead, tell the host there will be a dog with you, and you'll be seated on the patio with a bowl of ice water awaiting your pup. That's service. On the human side, the briny oysters, uber-fresh seafood and bracing martinis are just as excellent. (Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., south Fort Myers; 433-0634; bluepointerestaurant.com)

McGregor Cafe: I once sat here as patrons and servers alike helped calm a dog that had escaped from a nearby home. They brought it water and treats and secured it to one of the patio tables. By the time the owner came, the dog was in la-la land, living its best life. I think it knew exactly what it was doing. (4305 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers; 936-1771; mcgregorcafe.com)

Jean Le Boeuf is the pseudonym used by a local food lover who dines at restaurants anonymously and without warning, with meals paid for by The News-Press. Follow the critic at facebook.com/jeanleboeufswfl or @JeanLeBoeuf on Twitter and Instagram.